The Whites’ absence from the Premier League has arguably been far longer than many people predicted. One of the most recognised and historically best-supported teams in England have been vying desperately to return to the top flight of English football since the 2003-04 season.

Their agony was worsened having been relegated to League 1 in the 2006-07 campaign, and despite taking three seasons to retain their status as a Championship club, the Peacocks have since failed to return to the splendorous heights of the Premier League. Nonetheless, their efforts have not been devoid of unwavering determination, Leeds have finished in seventh place in the Championship on two separate occasions (2010-11 and most recently 2016-17).

The influence of Gary Monk

Garry Monk’s appointment injected a sense of infectious optimism among the club, a manager who was harshly sacked by Swansea following a period of sustained success and stability in a league that is widely considered the most competitive division in world football.

There was ample cause for positivity, despite enduring four defeats in his first six league games, Garry Monk had successfully managed to overturn his team’s middling form as the Whites began to register victories. Indeed, with only ten games to go it seemed that his side was destined for a play-off place, yet much to the unrelenting disappointment of all those associated with the club they failed to achieve their ambition. Ultimately, two victories in their last ten league games of the season (a run that included four defeats and four draws) saw Leeds squander their playoff place, and hopes of a Premier League return were duly vanquished.

Monk left for Championship rivals Boro, and Chris Wood who amassed a magnificent tally of 30 goals – 27 of which were scored in the Championship equating to over 44% of total of league goals - eventually secured his Premier League move. Despite this perceived adversity, following the loss of two instrumental figures, newly-appointed Thomas Christiansen has adapted effortlessly to life in Yorkshire. Much to the bemusement of several pundits, Leeds currently occupy a superior position compared to twelve months ago.

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Terrific start to the new season

Following the initial eight games of the new Championship season, the Whites sit at the top of the table, albeit only on goal difference from Wolves and Cardiff City. The former Apoel manager has orchestrated a productive start to the new campaign, which includes five victories and two draws.

Defensively, Leeds were comparatively compact last season, and they’ve begun the season with supreme defensive quality. In eight games, they’ve only conceded three league goals – despite the departure of Kyle Bartley who returned to Swansea. Also, they’ve registered six clean sheets, the best total in the league. One of these clean sheets was attained during a 5-0 demolition of Burton Albion, one of the teams that hindered their hopes of promotion during the last ten games of last season.

Regarding their transfer business, Rob Green has been replaced by Felix Wiedwald, who is perhaps still yet to prove himself. Another summer signing that has thrived is Pierre-Michel Lasogga. On his very first appearance in English football, the 25-year-old demonstrated his capacity to become Leeds’s talismanic striker with a brace and an assist against Burton. He’s seemingly the perfect replacement for Wood. Another summer addition, Matthew Pennington – who was severely constricted from first-team involvement at Everton – although injured early on remains a great looking prospect for this season.

In straightforward and rather understated terms, everything that could have gone right has gone right for Leeds; the question is whether they possess the depth and the temperament to maintain this form over the duration of the next forty league games. The Leeds faithful are better accustomed than most to comment on the grueling and laborious demands of the Championship. Thus, the significance of fighting until the very end cannot be stressed sufficiently.